In this conversation, Larry and Cody break down the true nature of “value uncertainty” — the mental equation clients subconsciously run every time they’re asked to invest in coaching or care. It’s rarely about money; it’s about perceived return. Cody explains how professionals often project their own lens of value instead of first understanding what the person across from them actually wants, needs, and fears.
Through a detailed role-play, they demonstrate how the right questions — not persuasion — reveal what matters most to clients: health, longevity, and the ability to show up for family and life. Cody shares a striking story about a business owner who remained “stuck in the rowboat” because fear outweighed opportunity, and how recognizing that moment allows coaches to ethically let go instead of discounting or convincing.
They close by redefining what it means to “sell” — not as pushing but as aligning. The pros who thrive are those who find their “peach buyers”: the people who already value what they uniquely provide and are ready to invest fully in change.
In this episode, Cody Ringle and Larry Gaier dive into one of the most common yet misunderstood challenges for both clients and coaches — why smart people stay stuck. They kick off a four-part series exploring the different forms of “objections,” starting with the time objection: the belief that “now just isn’t the right time.” Through real-world stories and examples, Cody and Larry dissect how this mindset keeps people looping in familiar discomfort instead of taking action.
Larry illustrates how biological and psychological patterns lead people to preserve what they already know — even if it’s painful — because uncertainty requires energy and effort. Together, they explore why chronic problems rarely resolve on their own, why change becomes harder over time, and how waiting only compounds the emotional and physical costs. They introduce the story of “Sarah,” whose post-surgery shoulder pain symbolizes how hesitation often masquerades as logic.
By the end, the hosts model how practitioners can skillfully handle timing objections in client conversations, taking listeners through a live role-play of how to move from hesitation to clarity. They reveal why clients are never more ready than the moment they seek help, how to recognize self-delusion versus readiness, and how professionals can respect their own time while empowering those who are ready to take action. The conversation ends with a call to all coaches: master the process, challenge the stories, and help people turn pro.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack a powerful question: “Why do smart people stay stuck in pain?” Whether it’s physical discomfort, professional stagnation, or emotional resistance, the duo explores why even the most capable people often fail to take meaningful action toward change.
They break the problem down into three core drivers — lack of awareness, lack of ability, and fear — with fear emerging as the hardest to overcome. Through real-world stories, including clients who delay action for the “perfect time” and those stuck in familiar pain despite better options, Larry and Sean reveal the hidden biases and neurological patterns that keep people in place. They discuss concepts like homeostasis, negativity bias, and the sunken cost fallacy, illustrating how humans often choose comfort in suffering over the uncertainty of growth.
Listeners will walk away with practical insights on how to guide clients (or themselves) through resistance, reframe fear into action, and understand the “readiness paradox” — the truth that there is no perfect time to change. This is a must-listen for coaches, practitioners, and anyone looking to finally move past what’s been holding them back.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody dive deep into one of the most important questions in modern wellness: why do one in five U.S. adults still struggle with unresolved pain despite the abundance of doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and trainers? They reveal that the issue isn’t a lack of personnel—it’s a lack of systems built to solve the root cause of dysfunction rather than manage symptoms.
The hosts explore the stark divide between healthcare and fitness, explaining why the current healthcare model is reactive and symptom-driven while fitness, at its best, is proactive and empowering. They define the concept of “fitness as healthcare”, a model where coaches become the first line of defense, bridging the gap between discharge and full recovery, guiding clients toward autonomy, strength, and a fulfilling, pain-free life.
Listeners will learn how to shift their mindset and career from fitness entertainment to meaningful, transformative practice. The episode outlines the pillars of education, exercise, and mentorship, emphasizing proactive solutions, personalized data tracking, and helping clients view training as a non-negotiable form of healthcare. This is a call to action for coaches who want to be part of a cultural shift—turning fitness into a respected, credible, and sustainable profession that truly changes lives.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Larry and Cody unpack the four most impactful lessons that came out of their recent in-person Active Life seminar. These insights aren’t just for attendees—they’re universal principles for any coach or fitness professional who wants to elevate their craft, create better outcomes for clients, and build a more respected career.They begin with a powerful truth: “Good enough is the enemy of great.” Coaches often stop short of mastery, settling for 95%—but that final 5% is what separates top performers from the pack. From there, they dive into the necessity of continual growth, recognizing that everyone has room to improve, even in areas they already excel. The hosts discuss the importance of focus—choosing one area at a time to level up—and the value of momentum in overcoming overwhelm.The conversation continues with two critical reminders: don’t major in the minors—return to the fundamentals like sleep, stress, and recovery—and embrace the concept that iron sharpens iron. Surrounding yourself with peers, being open to feedback, and participating in structured in-person learning accelerates growth in ways that digital learning alone can’t match. This episode is a masterclass in professional development, mindset, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Most coaches think their value lies in the workout, but programming is only 20% of what clients truly need. In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore five overlooked areas that set great coaches apart and make them irreplaceable. From rest to resilience, boundaries to community, the conversation dives deep into actionable tools that extend far beyond sets and reps.
You’ll learn how to help clients integrate strategic rest into their week, how to foster emotional pre-regulation rather than just stress management, and why healthy selfishness is not only acceptable but essential for growth. The hosts also break down how coaches can intentionally create community and connection experiences, and how to guide clients toward courageous growth—the kind that changes lives inside and outside the gym.
Whether you’re a gym owner, personal trainer, or health coach, this episode will shift your perspective on what truly makes a difference for your clients. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with clarity, compassion, and courage.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lessons that only come from failure, setbacks, and unexpected turns. Instead of treating failure as the end of the road, we explore how to use it as the clearest indicator of what’s not working—and a stepping stone to what comes next.We break down why failure feels so personal, the difference between quitting and making a better decision, and the trap of attaching your identity to outcomes. Through honest reflection, this episode highlights how to reframe “losses” as feedback, ask better questions when things don’t work out, and move forward with clarity.Whether you’re a coach, business owner, or simply someone navigating change, this conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure—it comes from learning to work with it.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we reflect on the top seven lessons learned after ten months of recording, coaching, and connecting through conversations. These insights are not just about podcasting—they’re powerful takeaways that apply directly to coaching, business, and personal growth.
We cover everything from cursing less and slowing down, to focusing on the 80/20 balance of education and entertainment. We also dive into the power of speaking to one person, why imperfect action beats waiting for perfection, and the importance of making decisions for your future rather than for a handful of current clients. Finally, we explore why personal development will always take you further than the latest programming method.
Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or entrepreneur, these seven lessons can help you communicate more clearly, build stronger client relationships, and step confidently into your next chapter of growth.
In this episode of The Active Life Podcast, we sit down with Jess to explore her journey from military service to becoming a full-time coach at Active Life. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her—joining the Air Force at 19, discovering CrossFit, and moving across the country for an opportunity she once thought was out of reach.Jess shares how she transitioned from admin roles in fitness companies to hands-on coaching, and how Active Life’s immersion course gave her the foundation to thrive with one-on-one clients. She reflects on the truths that shaped her, the importance of accountability, and why education is just as valuable as exercise in transforming lives.With inspiring client stories, lessons learned about growth, and her personal leap into a new chapter, Jess highlights what it truly means to help people live more and hurt less while continuing her own evolution as a coach.
When faced with the choice between staying comfortable or moving 2,500 miles to pursue a dream, most people play it safe. Not Sam. In this inspiring episode, Sam shares her journey from a small town in Indiana to the flagship Active Life location in Long Beach, NY, building a career focused on helping people live pain-free, without compromise.
From her early days as an overweight athlete sweating through grueling workouts, to coaching at multiple gyms, to making the bold leap across the country, Sam reveals the challenges and turning points that shaped her career. She talks openly about overcoming personal injuries, weight struggles, and the mental battles that come with change — and how these experiences made her a better coach.
Whether you’re a fitness professional considering a big move, someone living with chronic pain, or just looking for motivation to make a major life change, Sam’s story offers a blueprint for resilience, self-awareness, and career fulfillment.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry—and why simply selling “sets and reps” will no longer cut it. Sean and Cody discuss how AI is already capable of building personalized training programs, tracking progress, and even providing habit-based coaching. The conversation highlights why the middle tier of fitness professionals is most at risk, and how those who integrate technology into their practice will thrive in the years ahead.
The discussion takes a practical turn, outlining real-world ways coaches and gym owners can leverage AI today—like streamlining SOP creation, speeding up programming, and role-playing tough client conversations. It’s not about fearmongering—it’s about identifying where AI can free up your time so you can focus on the human side of coaching that technology can’t yet replace.
You’ll also hear a forward-looking take on how advancements in pharmaceuticals, haptic technology, and automation might change what “fitness” even means over the next 50 years. The episode ends with a challenge: pursue excellence relentlessly, because that’s the last thing to be replaced—and the skillset that will help you pivot to any new opportunity the future brings.
What happens when a probation officer trades stability for purpose—and moves his whole family 600 miles to chase it? In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Ken joins us to share the vulnerable, inspiring, and practical journey of betting on himself. From small-town CrossFit coach to personal trainer at Active Life’s flagship facility, Ken reveals how personal fulfillment and professional alignment came through saying “yes” to a massive life change.
We dive into the early warning signs that his old path wasn’t fulfilling him, the shift from group coaching to one-on-one training, and the pivotal role that Active Life’s education and mentorship played in accelerating his trajectory. You’ll hear how a shadowing visit turned into a career-altering decision, and what it was like to uproot everything for a chance at long-term meaning.
Ken also shares two remarkable client success stories—one of which includes helping a woman with Parkinson’s get off the ground unassisted. If you’re considering a major change or wondering whether your dream job really exists, this episode might be the nudge you need.
Many massage therapists are deeply skilled, but increasingly frustrated. Despite their ability to create short-term relief through manual therapy, more and more are recognizing a harsh truth: their clients keep coming back with the same problems. In this conversation, the team unpacks the most common challenges Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) face and why so many are now reaching out for more than just continuing education—they’re looking for transformation.
The episode explores the limits imposed by licensure, the regulatory barriers to recommending exercise, and the emotional toll of watching clients remain in pain. LMTs are seeking ways to evolve from simply treating symptoms to helping clients resolve root causes and reclaim physical freedom. The ALP curriculum offers them a way forward: combining hands-on skill with coaching, assessment, and exercise prescription to create sustainable, long-term results.
By becoming both manual therapists and movement professionals, these practitioners can create more client success, feel greater career satisfaction, and extend their professional longevity. This isn’t just about skills—it’s about building a business and a life that aligns with their values and truly helps people move freely and live fully.
In this transformative episode of the Active Life Podcast, the conversation centers on how to truly help clients—and yourself—become the person they aspire to be. Hosts explore the often-overlooked distinction between change and transformation, setting the stage for four essential principles that can catalyze deep, lasting growth.
The discussion dives into how perception vs. perspective shapes reality, the difference between a victim mindset and a creator mindset, and the ways language subtly reinforces or undermines empowerment. You’ll learn how habits of thought and speech—like soft talk, negations, projections, and dramatics—either entrench you in limitation or free you to take ownership of your experience.
This episode doesn't just teach theory—it delivers actionable tactics. Whether it’s using pattern interrupts like visual reminders or journaling perspective shifts, the tools offered here are simple, powerful, and designed for daily use. It's a must-listen for any coach looking to empower change from the inside out.
In this episode, Cody and the team dive deep into what made the latest in-person assessment seminar a transformative experience for both new and seasoned coaches.
The conversation explores how rotating roles between coach, client, and observer enabled deeper learning, while practical sessions allowed attendees to immediately apply theory to movement assessments and modifications. They discuss the importance of contextual programming for both performance-driven and lifestyle-driven clients, and how heavy slow resistance (HSR) was introduced to help coaches understand its demands.
Most importantly, this seminar became a space for critical thinking and experimentation. Attendees were encouraged to voice ideas, test them, and improve them collaboratively—creating a true incubator for growth. If you're a coach looking to refine your practice and gain real-life application experience, this episode will show you why the September seminar is a must-attend.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore how mindfulness and presence aren't just buzzwords but true superpowers for coaches. Larry shares the five foundational pillars that transform a distracted presence into a powerful and grounded coaching experience. From mindful preparation to emotional regulation, every coach will walk away with tools that can be applied immediately.Listeners will learn how presence influences client trust, safety, and outcomes. Larry and the team discuss practical tools like breathwork, body scanning, and leveraging silence—all designed to improve session quality. They also cover the emotional intelligence needed to manage personal triggers, reflect honestly, and model the behaviors coaches want to instill in their clients.Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies to improve your awareness, energy, and effectiveness. It’s a guide to showing up powerfully, consistently—and transforming client lives in the process.This is the Active Life Podcast where two fitness professionals with decades of experience tell their stories and hope to give you some tips and insights into what it takes to be successful for you and your clients.Follow Larry Gaier - https://www.instagram.com/larry_thehuman/Follow Cody Ringle - https://www.instagram.com/cody_ringle/Follow our main channel - https://www.youtube.com/theactivelifeActive Life Professionals help people who won’t take “if it hurts, don’t do it” for an answer. Want to learn how to get out of pain without giving up your active life, go to https://activelifeprofessional.com/find-a-pro-near-me/ Are you a coach or trainer who wants to learn how to build a fulfilling coaching business helping people get out of pain without giving up their active life? Head to https://activelifeprofessional.com/al-p-coaching-program/ Follow Dr. Sean Pastuch @ https://www.instagram.com/drseanpastuch/ Follow Active Life RX @ https://www.instagram.com/activeliferx/ Follow Active Life Professional @ https://www.instagram.com/activelifeprofessional
In this episode of the Active Life podcast, Cody and Larry break down the five essential behaviors that help coaches and professionals create trust and long-term commitment with clients. From first impressions to follow-through, they explore how trust isn't just a nice-to-have—it's foundational for client success and retention. Through practical examples and real coaching conversations, they highlight how intention, communication, and emotional safety fuel professional growth.
The episode begins by underscoring the power of trust and its inverse relationship with the energy it takes to influence client behavior. They dive into rapport-building tactics like remembering personal details, asking consistent check-in questions, and using someone’s name intentionally. Listeners will learn why following through on even the smallest promises builds credibility and how consistency in actions, tone, and scheduling becomes a signal of reliability.
Cody and Larry round it out with strong guidance on boundary-setting and the power of creating non-judgmental spaces where clients feel safe to be fully honest. This episode is a toolkit for any coach looking to deepen relationships and get long-lasting results—one small trust deposit at a time.
In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, the hosts break down the real financial differences between earning $100,000 as an employee versus as an entrepreneur. They explore the overlooked costs associated with entrepreneurship and compare them with the built-in support systems and predictability of employment. Using data-driven examples and personal experience, they debunk the myth that entrepreneurship is always the more lucrative path.
The discussion covers key areas like autonomy, risk, tax implications, business expenses, and mentorship costs. With candid stories and real numbers, they calculate what both entrepreneurs and employees actually take home, emphasizing how a gross income of $100K can look very different depending on how it’s earned.
Listeners are encouraged to assess their own values—freedom versus security, ceiling versus floor—and make informed decisions rather than emotional ones. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should start your own business or stay employed, this episode offers a clear financial lens to help guide your path.
Download the doc here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sFEr33Y2_7NKV27HkE_QmiNo4rV9A6oOF8jT_USN9MQ/edit?usp=sharing
In this episode, we explore what it takes to transition clients from dependency to autonomy in a coaching or training relationship. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy that the most successful client-coach relationships are built on empowerment, where clients continue working with coaches not out of need but out of choice. By outlining the importance of clear communication, process-driven decision making, and celebrating milestones, the speakers reveal how a well-structured approach can prevent early drop-offs and promote long-term success.
We also examine a powerful tool called the “churn map,” which highlights when and why clients typically leave, and how this data can guide proactive support strategies. The episode details a proven eight-session transition framework to guide clients from one-on-one development phases into more autonomous small-group training. This structure emphasizes readiness through KPI benchmarks, progressive independence, and maintaining a high-touch experience even as clients take on more responsibility.
Whether you're a coach, trainer, or fitness business owner, this episode offers a blueprint for improving client retention and fostering real transformation. By creating systems that support independence, you're not just providing a service—you’re helping clients become the type of people they aspired to be when they first sought help.
In this deeply insightful episode, we unpack the profound role emotional intelligence plays in coaching and client success. The discussion opens with a reflection on the "soft skills" that elevate coaching beyond systems and programs. Emotional intelligence is explored not just as a buzzword, but as a functional toolkit—one that allows coaches to become more effective, trustworthy, and transformational.
Our hosts explore five practical applications of emotional intelligence: empathetic active listening, regulating emotions in high-pressure situations, building self-awareness, navigating conflict, and adapting communication styles. With rich examples, real-life client stories, and thoughtful frameworks, listeners gain clarity on how to build trust, respond to client needs, and guide behavior change from a place of grounded emotional stability.
Whether you're a new trainer or a seasoned coach, this episode offers a compelling case for doing the inner work. As one speaker emphasizes, “Your limit in your efficacy as a coach is going to be in how grounded you can be in the face of someone else’s discomfort.” Tune in to learn how emotional fluency isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation for lasting client transformation.
